Nath1975 wrote:
For many folks, the size of the itch and the scratching required is completely covered by Eclipse
This nearly reinvigorated the tired "scratch an itch" cliche. :laugh:
As previously stated, I favor Eclipse because of the more streamlined play. However, if I was going to lure friends into playing TI, here's what I'd do:
1) As stated by hinotori above, schedule a weekend as an all day TI event. Invite them over around 10 a.m. and have coffee brewing. And purchase donuts if you really want to bait them.
2) Have as much of the board set up as possible. You could also randomly deal out the faction mats and apportion minis to all the player areas. Have players roll to see which seat they take.
3) Use the game variant in which every Objective card is laid face up.
4) Use one of the many fine player aids available here that replaces the tech cards. Give players pencils/pens so they can check off their starting tech and anything else they acquire.
5) Make sure anyone who's never played before either comes earlier for a rule summary or is instructed before the game day. Rule explanation can kill the group's momentum. Make sure it doesn't hamper the game experience.
6) Have player handouts made that repeat the text on the Action placards. This will save a lot of time during the action selection phase. Players can read over the options available during their turn instead of huddling over the placards, brushing aside the "bonus" markers, and trying to read them at the same time.
7) Stay aware of whose turn it is and gently push along anyone who's stagnating.
8) Have a sci fi soundtrack playing (nay, blaring) in the background.